WALTZING MATILDA
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- Inclusions & Features
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HOLIDAYS OF A LIFETIME
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ATTENTION SINGLES! TWIN-SHARE GUARANTEE
If you are travelling alone and do not wish to pay the single supplement, Goway will match you up with another single traveller of the same gender. If a room-mate is unavailable, you will enjoy a single room at no extra cost.
Please note:
To qualify for this offer, you must be willing not to smoke in your hotel rooms and accept that compatibility with your room-mate cannot be guaranteed.
Visit the Great Barrier Reef.
Cruise on beautiful Milford Sound
Aerial view of Sydney
CLICK HERE TO SEE WHY THIS IS THE BEST ESCORTED TOUR TO THE FABULOUS LANDS DOWNUNDER
LUCKY COUNTRY
More than 80% of Australia's 1 million natural species do not occur anywhere else. This is about 7% of the world's plant and animal species - twice as much as Europe and America put together.
"The Bulletin" (Australia) 10/11/98.
For Exclusive Features from Goway Click Here!
YOUR MONEY IS SAFE WITH GOWAY!
Visit consumer protection
Enjoying fine wines
Learn about aboriginal culture 
Souvenir shopping
ALL INCLUSIVE FIRST CLASS TOURING
The Waltzing Matilda
22 days
Australia, New Zealand
This is one of only nine ideas that we have designated Holidays Of A Lifetime. This is a very special inclusive and exclusive vacation.
Goway provides a professional escort who takes care of all the day to day details...all the way. Virtually everything is included from North America back to North America.
Don't expect just another escorted tour...you will be on "the best escorted tour" Click Here.
See our Waltzing Matilda amendments to the tour for departures after October 2012.
YOUR ITINERARY
Day 1. Depart your hometown: to our recommended departure cities of Los Angeles, Vancouver or Toronto. F
Day 2. Cross International Dateline. We lose a day which will be regained on our return trip.
Day 3. Arrive Auckland. Haere mai - welcome to New Zealand. We arrive this morning in Auckland, the City of Sails. On arrival, you will be met by your actual Goway Tour Director who will be with you for the next 20 days and will transfer you to your hotel. An afternoon tour of Auckland includes the bustling downtown and waterfront areas, a 360° panorama of the city from the summit of Mt Eden, quaint Parnell village and the pretty North Shore via the Harbour Bridge. Tonight a Goway "Welcome to New Zealand" dinner cruise on Auckland's spectacular harbour. Heritage Hotel. D
Day 4. Auckland to Rotorua. Today we travel south to Waitomo and enjoy a guided underground excursion to the world famous Glow Worm Grotto. Afterwards we continue through rich farming country across the Waikato River to Rotorua. Tonight a local Maori will transfer us to a Marae where we will enjoy a traditional Maori Hangi feast and concert.
Novotel Rotorua Lakeside (2 nights). BD
Day 5. Rotorua sightseeing. This morning we visit the Thermal Reserve and see the renowned geothermal activity including boiling mud pools, gentle hot springs and violent geysers. See a sheep demonstration followed by a visit to Rainbow Springs to experience the new Kiwi Encounter. This afternoon is at your leisure. BD
FREE OPTION (must be pre-booked): You can choose to be guests of a "Kiwi" family tonight. Your hosts will meet you and take you to their home for a traditional home-cooked meal. After a hearty breakfast the next morning, you will rejoin our group.
Day 6. Rotorua to Queenstown. We leave the thermal wonderland and fly south to the exciting alpine resort town of Queenstown. Tonight we'll ride the gondola to Bob's Peak for a breathtaking view of the snow-capped mountains and Lake Wakatipu including a delicious dinner at the Skyline Restaurant.
Heritage Queenstown (3 nights). BFD
Day 7. Milford Sound. We begin our trip to Te Anau and Milford Sound by travelling along the shores of New Zealand's prettiest lake, Lake Wakatipu. We arrive into Fiordland National Park, one of the world's largest national parks with spectacular hanging valleys, towering precipices and raging torrents.
The road continues through the Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound which was once described as the "eighth wonder of the world". Our cruise takes us past mile-high Mitre Peak, majestic mountains, ancient rainforests and thundering waterfalls before returning to Queenstown. BL
Day 8. Queenstown at leisure. A full day to relax or take part in the incredible variety of activities Queenstown has to offer. B
Important - Due to the recent acts of nature which affected Christchurch, we have substituted Lake Tekapo until further notice.
Day 9. Queenstown to Lake Tekapo. As we leave Queenstown our first stop is in historic gold mining town of Arrowtown where we have time to stroll down the main street with its heritage shops reminiscent of a bygone era. From Arrowtown, we continue through the picturesque wine area of the Gibbston Valley through Cromwell, Omarama and Twizel en route to Mt Cook for stunning views of New Zealand's highest mountain. Our final stop is at the quaint Church of the Good Shepherd before arrving at our hotel in the late afternoon. Tonight we will enjoy a group dinner at our hotel.
Peppers Bluewaters Resort. BD
Day 10. Lake Tekapo to Cairns. This morning, we cross the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch airport for our flight to Cairns. Welcome to Australia.
Shangri La Hotel (3 nights). BF
For departures from October 2012, accommodation will be at the Hilton Cairns Hotel
Day 11. Rainforest & Aboriginal Experience. A very special breakfast this morning at the "Freshwater Connection" theme restaurant. You then board the Kuranda scenic train "Royal Champagne Service" for a spectacular narrow gauge ride to charming Kuranda. Travel into the towering rainforest on an amphibious army duck. We enjoy an Aussie barbeque lunch and an authentic Aboriginal cultural performance under the canopy of the rainforest. Experience a "Dreamtime" walk with an Aboriginal guide. Throw a boomerang and see if it will come back! You will also see Australian native animals including koalas, wombats and kangaroos. You'll even get the chance to meet Matilda or Walter, Goway's adopted Koalas. Tonight enjoy an Australian seafood buffet. BLD
Day 12. Great Barrier Reef. Today we depart Cairns and journey to Green Island for some free time before exploring the Great Barrier Reef for approximately 3 hours. Non-snorkellers may remain at Green Island and either snorkel from the shoreline or enjoy an excursion in a glass bottom boat. BL
Day 13. Cairns to Ayers Rock. This morning we fly into the "Outback" to Ayers Rock. The afternoon is spent visiting the Olgas also known as "Kata Tjuta," a series of ancient rounded rock domes steeped in Aboriginal mythology. This evening we absorb the sounds of the didgeridoo and dine on true Outback cuisine as we enjoy our Sounds of Silence Dinner under the stars.
Desert Gardens. BFD
Day 14. Ayers Rock to Alice Springs. After breakfast we spend the remainder of the morning exploring the fascinating Ayers Rock. We'll hear some of the Aboriginal legends about the sacred land. In the afternoon we coach through the semiarid desert that is known as the "Red Centre" to Alice Springs. On approach to Alice Springs, we pass the Western MacDonell Ranges and Pine Gap, before stopping for afternoon tea. After tea we enjoy a unique Outback activity – a camel ride through the desert as the sun sets! After our camel ride we will be transferred to our hotel in Alice Springs.
Alice Springs Resort. B
Day 15. Alice Springs to Adelaide. This morning we have breakfast at the hotel followed by a tour of Alice Springs including Anzac Hill, and Royal Flying Doctor Service, before continuing to the Old Telegraph Station. We then transfer to the airport for the flight to Adelaide and enjoy dinner at the hotel.
Hilton Hotel Adelaide (2 nights). BD
Ghan Option (must be pre-booked): You may opt to travel aboard the legendary Ghan train overnight from Alice Springs to Adelaide.
Day 16. Adelaide at Leisure. A full day to relax, visit the wineries or perhaps fly to Kangaroo Island for a guided tour of the wildlife. B
Day 17. Adelaide to Melbourne. Today we travel to the Mount Lofty Ranges and at Hahndorf we have time to explore the quaint village before transferring to the airport for our flight to Melbourne.
Crowne Promenade (2 nights). BL
Day 18. Melbourne sightseeing. Melbourne is the cultural capital of Australia with a rich multicultural identity, classic buildings, beautiful parks and gardens, sophisticated dining and enviable shopping. This morning's tour includes the Royal Botanic Garden, St. Paul's Cathedral and Parliament House. Morning tea is traditional Aussie style in a private home or in the Botanical Gardens. The balance of the day is free. B
Day 19. Melbourne to Sydney. This morning we transfer to the airport for our flight to Australia's most cosmopolitan city. On arrival we transfer to our hotel.
Sydney Radisson (3 nights). BF
Day 20. In Sydney. This morning enjoy breakfast followed by a scenic walk to the Sydney Opera House, home to Australian's renowned opera, ballet and theatre companies where we will take a private guided tour. Experience an orientation tour of the city and out to the beautiful southern beaches including the famous Bondi. You also have the chance to try a traditional Aussie "Meat Pie". On completion of the day's touring, you will be set down at Circular Quay to board your vessel for this afternoon's cruise on Sydney's splendid harbour. B
Day 21. In Sydney. A full day at leisure to further explore Australia's most cosmopolitan city or perhaps to do some shopping. Tonight we enjoy dinner at the famous Sydney Waterfront Restaurant with spectacular views of the Opera House and Sydney Harbour. BD
Day 22. Sydney to home. At leisure with some time for last minute shopping. We transfer to the airport for the flight home arriving the same day. BF
Extension Idea
You can choose to extend your itinerary with a stopover in Fiji, please enquire for details.
YEAR: 2012/2013 CURRENCY: Canadian Dollars |
|||||
| Prices from Vancouver | Land Only Prices | ||||
| Departure Dates ex North America |
Twin |
Single |
Land Arrangements Commence |
Twin |
Single |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 Mar '12 | $ 11,994 | $ 15,073 | 10 Mar '12 | $ 8,499 | $ 11,588 |
| 10 May '12 | $ 12,064 | $ 15,233 | 12 May '12 | $ 8,759 | $ 11,938 |
| 5 Jul '12 | $ 12,234 | $ 15,413 | 7 Jul '12 | $ 8,759 | $ 11,938 |
| 11 Oct '12 | $ 12,294 | $ 15,403 | 13 Oct '12 | $ 8,799 | $ 11,908 |
| 8 Nov '12 | $ 12,294 | $ 15,403 | 10 Nov '12 | $ 8,799 | $ 11,908 |
| 24 Jan ’13 | $ 12,644 | $ 15,753 | 26 Jan ’13 | $ 8,799 | $ 11,908 |
| 7 Feb ’13 | $ 12,294 | $ 15,403 | 9 Feb ’13 | $ 8,799 | $ 11,908 |
| 6 Mar ’13 | $ 12,294 | $ 15,403 | 8 Mar ’13 | $ 8,799 | $ 11,908 |
| 8 May ’13 | $ 13,264 | $ 15,443 | 10 May ’13 | $ 8,949 | $ 12,128 |
| 3 Jul ’13 | $ 12,444 | $ 15,623 | 5 Jul ’13 | $ 8,949 | $ 12,128 |
YEAR: 2012/2013 CURRENCY: US Dollars |
|||||
| Prices from Los Angeles | Land Only Prices | ||||
| Departure Dates ex North America |
Twin |
Single |
Land Arrangements Commence |
Twin |
Single |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 Mar '12 | $ 11,684 | $ 14,773 | 10 Mar '12 | $ 8,499 | $ 11,588 |
| 10 May '12 | $ 11,694 | $ 14,873 | 12 May '12 | $ 8,759 | $ 11,938 |
| 5 Jul '12 | $ 11,934 | $ 15,113 | 7 Jul '12 | $ 8,759 | $ 11,938 |
| 11 Oct '12 | $ 11,994 | $ 15,103 | 13 Oct '12 | $ 8,799 | $ 11,908 |
| 8 Nov '12 | $ 11,994 | $ 15,103 | 10 Nov '12 | $ 8,799 | $ 11,908 |
| 24 Jan ’13 | $ 12,344 | $ 15,463 | 26 Jan ’13 | $ 8,799 | $ 11,099 |
| 7 Feb ’13 | $ 11,994 | $ 15,103 | 9 Feb ’13 | $ 8,799 | $ 11,908 |
| 6 Mar ’13 | $ 11,994 | $ 15,103 | 8 Mar ’13 | $ 8,799 | $ 11,908 |
| 8 May ’13 | $ 11,994 | $ 15,103 | 10 May ’13 | $ 8,949 | $ 12,128 |
| 3 Jul ’13 | $ 12,144 | $ 15,323 | 5 Jul ’13 | $ 8,949 | $ 12,128 |
Prices Includes
Prices include International and regional airfares and all departure taxes from North America - land only prices do not include any airfares or departure taxes), first class and deluxe accommodation, meals as indicated (B = breakfast, L= lunch and D = dinner), sightseeing, transfers, porterage, tipping, quality travel companion book, overnight bag and neck pillow.
NOT INCLUDED:
International airfares and flights within Australia and New Zealand, taxes, fees and surcharges for land only prices, Insurance, optional excursions, items of a personal nature such as laundry, dry cleaning, phone calls, drinks, excess baggage charges.
INCLUSIONS:
(See "inclusions and features" page for full details)
| DEPARTURES - 2012/2013 ITINERARY |
THEMES |
|---|---|
| 8 Mar, 8 Nov 2012, 8 May 2013 | A |
| 26 Jan, 5 Jul 2012, 7 Feb 2013 | G |
| 10 May 2012, 24 Jan, 3 Jul 2013 | F |
| 9 Feb, 11 Oct 2012, 6 Mar 2013 | L |
| 8 Nov 2012 | X |
A (Animal and Plant Life), F (Food and Wine), G (Geography and History), L (Lifestyles and Native Cultures), X (Pre-Holiday Shopping) are Fun Themes
NOT INCLUDED:
Airfare taxes, fees and surcharges, Insurance, optional excursions, items of a personal nature such as laundry, dry cleaning, phone calls, drinks, excess baggage charges.
